Posterior Dahl: A Minimally Invasive Method for the Treatment of Localized Posterior Tooth Wear.

PURPOSE: This retrospective case series of 9 patients aimed to describe clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction following the implementation of the posterior Dahl concept to manage localized posterior tooth wear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Localized occlusal space was created in the posterior dentition. Supra-occluding direct restorations were placed bilaterally for the restoration of molars. Intraoral scans were taken at the pre-treatment stage, immediately post-restoration, and during follow-up appointments. Scans were used to undertake analysis of any occlusal changes and re-establishment of the occlusion. A questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction, alleviation of any pre-treatment concerns, and evaluation of post-treatment complaints. RESULTS: Immediately post-treatment, all patients showed an increase in the vertical dimension. Opening of the bite in the untreated areas following restoration of worn posterior molars resulted either in a tendency towards or the actual reestablishment of the occlusion. One patient completely lacked compensatory vertical tooth movement in the untreated areas, culminating in the persistence of a vertical open bite. One restoration displayed cohesive fracture after 4 months. Pre-treatment problems (eg, sensitivity) were fully resolved amongst all patients after 6 months. Post-treatment complaints were minor and demonstrated resolution within a relatively short period of time. Eight patients reported being "very satisfied" with their treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION: Application of the posterior Dahl concept appears to offer a promising, relatively simple, minimally invasive and effective approach for the management of localized posterior tooth wear, which is well accepted by patients.

Bonding States of In Vitro Class 2 Direct Resin Composite Restoration Applied by Various Incremental Techniques.

Incremental techniques are always required for clinical cases of deep and/or large cavities restored with resin composite materials. The purpose of this study was to examine the bonding states of class 2 direct resin composite restoration applied by various incremental techniques after cyclic loading to simulate the intra-oral environment to define the appropriate technique. Three types of resin composites, namely, bulk-fill (B), flowable (F), and conventional resin composite (C), were applied to standardized class 2 cavities by incremental techniques with single- or bi-resin restoratives. After cyclic loading, the micro-tensile bond strength (µ-TBS) of the dentin cavity floor was measured. The Weibull modulus and Weibull stress values at 10%/90% probability of failure were analyzed. Single-resin incremental restorations with B or F and bi-resin incremental restorations with F + B and F + C demonstrated superior µ-TBS (quantitative ability), bonding reliability, and durability (qualitative ability) compared with the single-resin restoration with C (as control). Furthermore, F + B and F + C restoration yielded an excellent performance compared with the single-resin restorations with B, F, and C. In particular, the F + C restoration, which indicates not only the maximum mean µ-TBS, but also the highest values of the Weibull parameters, may be the optimal restoration method, including the esthetic benefits.

Clinical effectiveness of direct resin composite restorations bonded using one-step or two-step self-etch adhesive systems: A three-year multicenter study.

The purpose of this multicenter clinical study was to compare the mid-term clinical effectiveness of direct resin composite restorations using one-step or two-step self-etch adhesives (1-SEAs or 2-SEAs). In total, 352 restorations of class I-V cavities and non-carious cervical lesions in vital teeth (1-SEAs; 52 cases, 2-SEAs; 300 cases) were placed at nine university hospitals and evaluated according to the modified USPHS criteria at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 3 years. The recall rates were 86.6% (1 year), 80.1% (2 years), and 62.2% (3 years). Two restorations failed due to fracture during the follow-up, and there was no significant difference in survival rates between 1-SEAs (97.6%) and 2-SEAs (99.4%). However, 2-SEAs exhibited significantly lower occurrences of discoloration, marginal discoloration, fracture, and plaque retention. Moreover, the subjects reported a significantly lower postoperative hypersensitivity and higher overall satisfaction at all evaluation periods if 2-SEAs were used.

A New Restorative Method for the Closure of Single-Tooth Gaps - Technique Description and Case Series.

PURPOSE: To present a new method for the closure of single-tooth gaps using metal-, ceramic-, and glass-fiber-free direct composite cantilever restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The new technique is described step by step in a case report, showing the creation and adhesive bonding of a single-retainer composite pontic. Furthermore, six cases are reported with radiological and clinical follow-up assessments over a period of one to three years after gap closure. RESULTS: Excellent outcomes were observed clinically and radiologically. No failures due to material properties (such as composite fractures, chipping) or esthetic limitations through discoloration were observed. Due to good oral hygiene, no periodontal complications were found during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: This new minimally invasive procedure expands the therapeutic spectrum for the management of single-tooth gaps. It does not require laboratory-fabricated restorations and can be considered when conventional treatments, such as fixed dental prostheses or implants, are not options for medical reasons or due to special patient preferences.

Estética do sorriso: Planejamento digital, cirurgia periodontal e procedimento restaurador / Smile's esthetics: digital smile design, periodontal surgery and restorative procedure

A busca pela estética tem acentuado a procura dos pacientes pela transformação do sorriso. Com o auxílio da fotografia e da tecnologia computacional, é possível a realização do DSD (digital smile design ­ planejamento digital do sorriso), que nos dá maior previsibilidade do tratamento. A confirmação deste planejamento digital se dá na prova do mock-up, a partir do qual o paciente tem a real sensação do seu sorriso planejado. Este artigo apresentou um caso clínico no qual se destaca a adesão do paciente ao tratamento e a realização de cirurgia periodontal para aumento de coroa clínica, seguida de restaurações diretas com resinas compostas, posterior ao enceramento diagnóstico. Com o planejamento integrando a terapia cirúrgica periodontal e o protocolo restaurador adesivo direto guiado por planejamento digital (DSD), foi possível estabelecer um excelente resultado com uma elevada satisfação do paciente.

The seek for esthetics has increased patient´s demand for the smile makeover. With the help of computational technology, it is possible to perform the DSD (digital smile design) with greater treatment predictability treatment. Confirmation of this digital planning occurs in the mock-up test, from which the patient has a physical sensation of his/her planned smile. This article presents a clinical case which highlights the patient cooperation and periodontal surgery for crown lengthening, followed by direct composite resin restorations after the diagnostic wax-up procedure. With an integrated treatment planning guided by the DSD protocol, it was possible to establish an excellent outcome with high patient satisfaction.

Treatment of an amelogenesis imperfecta with restorations prepared using a modified clear matrix technique.

The rehabilitation of a patient with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) from both functional and esthetic standpoints represents a challenge. A number of treatment options have been proposed. Recently, the use of adhesive restorations has gained popularity because of the improved physical properties of these materials. This article describes a treatment with direct resin composite for the restoration of teeth affected by the hypomature type of AI. A modified clear matrix technique was used during the preparation and restoration process. The use of the technique provides clinicians with reduced chair time, and the matrix can be repeated when needed; restorations can be performed relatively quickly with a minimal post-operative finishing process. This article highlights the use of direct-bonded resin composites providing satisfactory esthetics and function in restoring AI-affected teeth.